Film/lecture series commemorates Apollo 40th anniversary
FAYETTE, Iowa (December 1, 2008) - The fourth session of the "Project Apollo 40th Anniversary Film and Lecture Series" will be held on the Upper Iowa University Fayette campus Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in Baker Hebron auditorium."So much of our technology we take for granted today is a result of the Apollo space program," said Joseph Elarde, assistant professor of Information Technology and program organizer, "It led to the development of microprocessors in our personal computers, advanced satellite imaging, global communications, and our understanding of certain health issues."
Elarde also credits the Apollo space program for having a positive impact during the 60's era. "It was a time filled with social strife, protests against the Vietnam War, and the assassination of President Kennedy," he said. "The success of the Apollo space program was a glowing achievement that happened at a time when America needed it most."
In 1968, Apollo 8 successfully completed the first lunar orbit and return to Earth. The Apollo 11 moonwalk occurred in 1969, which some say was the greatest engineering achievement of the century. Elarde commented on the courage of these astronauts, who put their lives at risk investigating new ideas and untested equipment that had the explosive power of a small nuclear weapon.
UIU's Apollo series consists of nine monthly sessions that runs through April 16, 2009. Each meeting includes a film and short lecture by a UIU faculty member or guest, and the evening concludes with a door prize drawing.
Quoting Greek biographer Plutarch, "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled," Elarde hopes the series will not only commemorate history but also generate excitement for future space program initiatives and increase student interest in science, mathematics, and technology majors
By 2018, NASA is planning to launch and sustain human exploration of the Moon, develop an Apollo-like vehicle to carry crews of up to four astronauts to the Moon, and construct a new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to transport crew and supplies to a new International Space Station (ISS).
The lecture series is free and the public is invited to attend. Pizza, soft drinks, and door prizes are available to those who make 24-hour advance reservations to Elarde at elardej@uiu.edu or phone 563-425-5835.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu